Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can guarantee the quality of products or services used with the target product. [Solution] The information processing device 1 includes a usage information acquisition unit 30 that acquires usage information regarding the quality state and / or usage state of the target product 50 in a product or service that uses the target product 50, a provider information acquisition unit 32 that acquires provider information of the provider of the product or service, a determination unit 33 that determines the quality state and / or usage state of the target product 50 at the place of use by the provider of the target product 50 based on the usage information and provider information, and a display control unit 35 that transmits the determination result of the determination unit 33 to the display device 5 for display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for managing the state of target products such as edible oil is known. Patent Document 1, for example, discloses a technique of this type.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to a simple colorimeter for edible oil that includes a test sample container and a reference liquid container, and an edible oil management and supply system using the same. Patent Document 1 describes an edible oil management and supply system using a simple colorimeter, in which used oil is injected through a pipe into the test sample container to determine and manage the chromaticity, the blending ratio of the used oil and new oil is determined based on the difference between the chromaticity value and a predetermined chromaticity value, and a corresponding amount of frying oil with an optimal color is supplied to an oil tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For example, when the target product is edible oil, fried foods or the like produced using the edible oil may be provided to customers as usage products. The quality of edible oil degrades over time, and the quality of edible oil is critical for usage products such as fried foods. This is a well-known fact not only for parties that provide fried foods, but also for consumers who receive the fried foods. However, since cooking is performed in the kitchen, general consumers cannot determine whether good edible oil is used at the store that provides the fried foods.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can determine, certify, or guarantee the quality of a product or service using the target product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus comprising: a means for acquiring usage information relating to the quality state and / or usage state of a target product in a product or service that utilizes the target product; a means for acquiring provider information of a provider of the product or service; a means for determining the quality state and / or usage state of the target product at the place of use by the provider of the target product based on the usage information and the provider information; and a display control means for transmitting and displaying the determination result from the determination means to a display device.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method that includes: a usage information acquisition step of acquiring usage information relating to the quality state and / or usage state of the target product in a product or service that utilizes the target product; a provider information acquisition step of acquiring provider information of the provider of the product or service; a determination step of determining the quality state and / or usage state of the target product at the place of use by the provider of the target product based on the usage information and the provider information; and a display control step of transmitting the determination result from the determination step to a display device for display.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: a usage information acquisition step of acquiring usage information relating to the quality state and / or usage state of the target product in a product or service that uses the target product; a provider information acquisition step of acquiring provider information of the provider of the product or service; a determination step of determining the quality state and / or usage state of the target product at the place of use by the provider of the target product based on the usage information and the provider information; and a display control step of transmitting the determination result from the determination step to a display device for display. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can guarantee the quality of products or services that utilize the target product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system and an information processing device. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of judgment and certification processes performed by an information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <System Configuration> First, let's describe the overall system configuration. Figure 1 shows an information processing system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 100 provides a service for determining and certifying the quality of the target product 50 used by the target product 50's customers. The target product 50 is not particularly limited, but cooking oil will be used as an example. Cooking oil is, for example, a cooking oil such as frying oil.

[0014] The information processing system 100 presents judgment results and certification results to customers of the target product 50, customers of products or services that utilize the target product 50, and customers of products or services that utilize the target product 50. Customers of the target product 50 are, for example, users of processed food factories or stores, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "stores, etc.") that receive the target product 50 from the shipping factory. Customers of products that utilize the target product 50 are, for example, consumers who purchase fried foods, etc., using the edible oil that is the target product 50 from users at stores, etc. Customers of services that utilize the target product 50 are, for example, consumers who receive fried foods, etc., using the target product 50 from users at stores, etc. Customers of products or services that utilize the target product 50 also include consumers who currently purchase or receive other fried foods, etc., or other food and beverages that do not use the edible oil that is the target product 50, as well as future consumers (potential customers).

[0015] The information processing system 100 is implemented by an information processing device 1 that transmits and receives various information with user terminals 2, shipping plant terminals 3, consumer terminals 4, and display devices 5 via a communication network such as the Internet. The information processing device 1 is a computer that provides various information about edible oil to user terminals 2, shipping plant terminals 3, consumer terminals 4, and display devices 5, and functions as a server.

[0016] User terminal 2 is an information processing apparatus used by a user who performs cooking using edible oil at a place where meals are provided, such as a store. The user terminal 2 is configured by a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like. The user terminal 2 may exchange various types of information with the information processing apparatus 1 through a preinstalled program, or may exchange various types of information through a web browser.

[0017] Shipping factory terminal 3 is an information processing apparatus used by a person in charge of a shipping factory that supplies edible oil to stores and the like. The shipping factory terminal 3 is configured by a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. The shipping factory terminal 3 may exchange various types of information with the information processing apparatus 1 through a preinstalled program, or may exchange various types of information through a web browser.

[0018] Consumer terminal 4 is an information processing apparatus used by a consumer such as a customer of a store or the like, or a potential customer candidate who may become a future customer. The consumer terminal 4 is configured by a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like. The consumer terminal 4 may exchange various types of information with the information processing apparatus 1 through a preinstalled program, or may exchange various types of information through a web browser.

[0019] Display device 5 is a display such as a liquid crystal panel or electronic paper that displays images, which is arranged inside or outside a store or the like that is the usage location of the target product 50. The display device 5 may be a portable tablet arranged on a table, or may be a digital signage arranged as a signboard of a store or the like. The display device 5 can display information related to the store or the like, the target product 50, used products that utilize the target product 50, used services, and the like, based on information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 1 or the user terminal 2.

[0020] <Hardware Configuration> Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 1, the user terminal 2, the shipping factory terminal 3, and the consumer terminal 4 will be described.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 1. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0022] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 appropriately stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are interconnected via the bus 14. The input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14.

[0023] The output unit 16, the input unit 17, the storage unit 18, the communication unit 19, and the drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15. The output unit 16 is configured with a display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various types of information as images and audio. The input unit 17 is configured with a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and inputs various types of information. The storage unit 18 is configured with a hard disk, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and the like, and stores various data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other apparatuses via a network including the Internet.

[0024] A removable medium 21 formed of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately mounted in the drive 20. A program read from the removable medium 21 by the drive 20 is installed in the storage unit 18 as necessary. In addition, the removable medium 21 can store various types of data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18.

[0025] Next, the user terminal 2 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 2 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a bus 114, an input / output interface 115, a display unit 116, an input unit 117, a storage unit 118, a communication unit 119, a drive 120, and an imaging device 122.

[0026] The CPU 111 executes various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 112 or the program loaded into the RAM 113 from the storage unit 118. The RAM 113 also stores data necessary for the CPU 111 to execute these processes. The CPU 111, ROM 112, and RAM 113 are interconnected via a bus 114. An input / output interface 115 is also connected to this bus 114.

[0027] The input / output interface 115 is connected to a display unit 116, an input unit 117, a storage unit 118, a communication unit 119, a drive 120, and an imaging device 122. The display unit 116 consists of a display, speaker, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The input unit 117 consists of a touch panel display, buttons, a keyboard, microphone, etc., and accepts input of various information. The storage unit 118 consists of a hard disk, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various data. The communication unit 119 communicates with other devices via a network, including the Internet.

[0028] The drive 120 is appropriately equipped with removable media 121, which may consist of a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory. Programs read from the removable media 121 by the drive 120 are installed in the storage unit 118 as needed. The removable media 121 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 118, just like the storage unit 18. The imaging device 122 consists of a camera capable of acquiring image data.

[0029] The shipping factory terminal 3 and the consumer terminal 4 shall have the same hardware configuration as the information processing device 1 shown in Figure 2 and the user terminal 2 shown in Figure 3. Note that the hardware configuration described here is merely an example. The computer described in this embodiment, including the information processing device 1, user terminal 2, shipping factory terminal 3, and consumer terminal 4, may have the same configuration as those in Figures 2 and 3, or it may have a different configuration. Furthermore, the computer is not limited to a single unit; it may consist of two or more computers.

[0030] <Flow of the target products> Returning to Figure 1, we will explain the flow from the shipment of the target product 50 to its use in stores, etc. The target product 50 is shipped from the shipping factory to the location where the user will use the target product 50. The target product 50 or its accompanying information such as the delivery slip is marked with a product identification code 51 to identify the target product 50. The product identification code 51 is an identifier that contains information that can identify the product. The identifier is composed of a combination of numbers, letters including the alphabet, symbols, colors, patterns, shapes, etc. Identifiers include, for example, QR codes (registered trademarks) and codes made up of a combination of letters and numbers.

[0031] In this embodiment, a product identification code 51 is attached to the target product 50. Furthermore, the target product 50 to which the product identification code 51 has been attached may be covered by a package 52. In this case, the target product 50 is transported to the delivery destination in a state where the product identification code 51 cannot be confirmed without opening the package 52.

[0032] In stores and other locations, the user terminal 2's imaging device 122 captures the product identification code 51 of the target product 50. If there is a package 52, the user opens the package 52 of the target product 50 delivered from the shipping factory and captures the product identification code 51 with the user terminal 2's imaging device 122.

[0033] In this embodiment, the user terminal 2 captures a product identification code 51 as product identification information using the imaging device 122, performs image analysis, and transmits information to the information processing device 1 indicating that the product identification code 51 has been acquired by the user. The timing of acquisition of product identification information by the user terminal 2 is, for example, when the target product 50 is delivered or used. The user terminal 2 is also a customer information acquisition means that acquires product identification information for identifying the target product 50 that has been delivered or used, from the target product 50 or information attached to the target product 50, along with information identifying the delivery location or usage location.

[0034] In stores and other establishments, dishes using the target product 50 are prepared using cooking equipment 6 such as a fryer. The cooking equipment 6 can also be composed of IoT (Internet of Things) products with communication capabilities. In this case, the cooking equipment 6 transmits information indicating the usage status of the target product 50 to the information processing device 1.

[0035] Furthermore, a camera 7 may be installed in the store or other location. The product identification code 51 may be acquired by this camera 7, and information indicating that the product identification code 51 has been acquired by the user may be transmitted from the camera 7 to the information processing device 1. In addition, the usage status of the target product 50 may be acquired by image analysis based on the image captured by the camera 7.

[0036] Furthermore, camera 7 may capture images of the usage conditions of the target product 50, such as cooking conditions. For example, the camera may capture images of the opening, storage method, cooking method, etc., of the target product 50, and the usage conditions may be obtained through image analysis.

[0037] <Functional configuration> Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 100 and the information processing device 1. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 1 includes a user information acquisition unit 30, an identification information acquisition unit 31, a provider information acquisition unit 32, a determination unit 33, an authentication unit 34, and a display control unit 35 as functional units implemented on the processor (CPU 11).

[0038] The usage information acquisition unit 30 is a usage information acquisition means that acquires usage information regarding the quality status and / or usage status of the target product 50 in the goods or services used that utilize the target product 50.

[0039] In this embodiment, the usage information acquisition unit 30 acquires usage information about the target product 50 at the time the target product 50 is manufactured and shipped, in order to confirm its quality status.

[0040] The product information includes manufacturing and shipping information such as raw materials, manufacturing conditions, and dates. Raw materials include information indicating one or more of the following: organic raw materials, non-GM, place of origin, variety, harvest time, etc. Manufacturing conditions include information indicating one or more of the following conditions during manufacturing: temperature, pressure, time, etc., presence or absence of a specific manufacturing process, use of specific manufacturing equipment, etc. Manufacturing conditions also include information on manufacturing methods that contribute to CO2 reduction. Dates and times are one or more time information selected from the manufacturing date, manufacturing date and time, shipping date, and shipping date and time for the 50 target products. Product information also includes product name, manufacturing unit information, shipping unit information, lot information, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, the product information also includes whether or not the product is from an abnormal lot. This information, for example, is used to identify the 50 products that should be recalled.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to confirm the usage status, the usage information acquisition unit 30 of this embodiment acquires usage information of the user's use of the target product 50 at stores, etc., after delivery.

[0043] The user's usage status of the target product 50 after delivery is obtained, for example, based on the user's input on the user terminal 2. The user inputs information on the user terminal 2 such as the storage method of the target product 50, the cooking method of the target product 50, the method of providing the product or service to consumers, and the frequency of cleaning the cooking equipment. The user terminal 2 transmits the input content to the information processing device 1. The usage information acquisition unit 30 acquires the input content transmitted to the information processing device 1 as usage information.

[0044] Furthermore, the user's usage status of the target product 50 after delivery may be obtained, for example, from a cooking device 6 that has a communication function. The cooking device 6 transmits information such as heating time and cooking method to the information processing device 1 based on the operating status of the heater of the cooking device 6, such as a fryer. Transmission to the information processing device 1 may be performed directly from the cooking device 6 via a communication network, or via the user terminal 2. The usage information acquisition unit 30 acquires the output content of the cooking device 6 transmitted to the information processing device 1 as usage information.

[0045] Furthermore, the user's usage status of the target product 50 after delivery may be obtained, for example, from the results of image analysis by a camera 7 installed in a store or other location. Camera 7 captures images of the opening method, storage method, cooking method, method of providing the product or service to consumers, and the condition of the kitchen or other location where the product 50 is used. The information processing device 1 analyzes the images acquired by camera 7 and obtains them as the usage status. The image analysis process may be performed on the user terminal 2 side instead of the information processing device 1.

[0046] The identification information acquisition unit 31 is an identification information acquisition means that acquires product identification information, which is information that identifies the target product 50, such as the ID of the target product 50. The product identification information is information that corresponds to the product identification code 51 described above. In this embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit 31 acquires product identification information at multiple timings, such as the shipping timing of the target product 50 and the opening timing of the target product 50.

[0047] At the time of shipment of the target product 50, the identification information acquisition unit 31 acquires product identification information to be shared with the shipping factory terminal 3. The product identification information may be generated by the identification information acquisition unit 31 itself and transmitted from the information processing device 1 to the shipping factory terminal 3 via a communication network. Alternatively, the product identification information may be generated at the shipping factory and received by the information processing device 1 from the shipping factory terminal 3 via a communication network.

[0048] At the time of opening the target product 50, the product identification code 51 of the target product 50 whose package 52 has been opened at a store or other location is captured by the imaging device 122 of the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 obtains product identification information from the captured product identification code 51 and transmits the obtained product identification information to the information processing device 1. The product identification information is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information processing device 1 in association with the provider information described later. The identification information acquisition unit 31 acquires the product identification information transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the information processing device 1.

[0049] The provider information acquisition unit 32 is a provider information acquisition means that acquires provider information of the provider of the goods or services used. In this embodiment, the provider information acquisition unit 32 acquires provider information for identifying the provider from the user terminal 2 via the communication network.

[0050] The provider information acquisition unit 32 acquires provider information from the user terminal 2 at the same time that the product identification information is acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 31 at the timing of opening the target product 50. The provider information in this embodiment includes information that identifies the delivery location or usage location, as well as time information to specify the time the target product 50 was opened. The time information is used to determine the start date of use, freshness, quality, etc., of the target product 50. The time information is one or more pieces of information selected from, for example, the delivery date, delivery date and time, opening date, opening date and time, usage date, usage date and time, disposal date, and disposal date and time of the target product 50.

[0051] The determination unit 33 is a determination means that determines the quality status and / or usage status of the target product 50 at the location where the target product 50 is used by the provider of the target product 50, based on usage information and provider information.

[0052] First, let's explain an example of a method for determining the quality status. The determination unit 33 determines the quality status based on pre-set quality determination requirements. For example, if the target product 50 is edible oil, the quality determination requirements include freshness, raw materials, manufacturing method, environmental compliance, and the presence or absence of quality abnormalities.

[0053] Freshness is a quality requirement that stipulates a short period of time between the production of raw materials and delivery / opening. The determination unit 33 of this embodiment determines whether the target product 50 meets the freshness requirement based on the time difference between the time information of the target product information and the time information of the provider information. In other words, it determines whether the target product 50 was used within a certain period of time after production.

[0054] The raw materials are a quality requirement that stipulates the use of specific raw materials. The determination unit 33 refers to the target product information and determines whether or not specific raw materials are used. In the case of the target product 50 being edible oil, specific raw materials include organic ingredients, pesticide-free, non-GM, specific production area, specific variety, etc.

[0055] The manufacturing method is a quality requirement that the target product 50 is manufactured using a specific manufacturing method. The determination unit 33 refers to the target product information and determines whether or not the specific manufacturing method requirement is met. If the target product 50 is edible oil, the specific manufacturing method requirement is that the target product 50 is manufactured using a method such as first pressing, nitrogen displacement (oxidation suppression), or constant temperature (low temperature).

[0056] Environmental compliance is a quality requirement that stipulates the adoption of manufacturing and logistics methods that reduce CO2 emissions. The determination unit 33 refers to the target product information and determines whether or not it meets specific manufacturing requirements. It determines whether or not manufacturing and logistics methods that reduce CO2 emissions are adopted based on pre-set environmental standards.

[0057] The presence or absence of quality defects is a quality requirement that is conditional on the product not being from an abnormal lot where problems have occurred elsewhere. The determination unit 33 refers to the target product information and determines whether it is not from a manufacturing lot / product where problems have occurred elsewhere, or whether recall information has been set to indicate that it is a recalled product. If recall information has been set for the same manufacturing lot / product as the target product 50, the determination unit 33 determines that the target product 50 should be recalled.

[0058] Next, an example of a method for determining the usage status will be described. The determination unit 33 determines the usage status based on pre-set usage determination requirements. For example, if the target product 50 is edible oil, the usage determination requirements include the storage method of the target product 50 in the store, the quality of the target product 50 in the store, the usage period of the target product 50, the cooking method using the target product 50, the cleanliness of the store, etc.

[0059] The determination of the storage method of the target product 50 in stores, etc., is based on whether conditions that prevent deterioration are met, such as the use of a container that can prevent oil oxidation, a place that avoids direct sunlight, and temperature control. The determination of the quality of the target product 50 in stores, etc., is based on whether the deterioration indicators of the target product 50 at the time of use and / or disposal are below a certain standard. In the case of frying oil, the deterioration indicators may be values ​​used as deterioration indicators such as acid value, color, amount of polar compounds, peroxide value, anisidine value, amount of polymers, smoke, foaming, as well as values ​​that correlate with deterioration indicators such as heating time and amount of fried food. The determination of the shelf life of the target product 50 is based on whether the period from delivery or opening to disposal is within a certain period. The determination of the cooking method is based on whether cooking is carried out according to predetermined procedures (cooking temperature, cooking time, etc.). The cleanliness of stores, etc., is determined on whether the place where the target product 50 is used is cleaned regularly.

[0060] Furthermore, when the determination unit 33 determines the usage status of the image from the camera 7, it can utilize a learning model constructed by machine learning, such as supervised learning. For example, based on an image of the kitchen's condition, the learning model may determine whether the kitchen is tidy and properly cleaned.

[0061] Furthermore, if past quality status and usage status are stored in the database 90, which serves as a storage means, the determination unit 33 can perform determinations not only on the current quality status and usage status, but also on past status and usage status.

[0062] The certification unit 34 is a certification means that certifies that a customer of the target product 50 meets predetermined certification standards based on the judgment result of the determination unit 33. It is also a certification means that certifies that certification will not be granted and / or the certification will be revoked if the certification standards are not met. The certification standards are whether the usage status of the target product 50 has continuously met a certain level or higher in relation to the judgment result of the determination unit 33, which is an evaluation of the target product 50 at a certain point in time. For example, this could be that 80% or more of the target product 50 used within 3 days from the date of manufacture is used, or that the raw materials of the target product 50 used are all organic.

[0063] The certification unit 34 certifies that the usage status of the target product 50 is excellent for users or stores that meet the certification criteria. The certification by the certification unit 34 may be a title such as "○○ Meister" or "○○ Master," or it may be a tiered system such as excellent, good, or average, or the quality may be indicated numerically such as 100%, 90%, or 80%. The certification result may include a certification period indicating the period during which the certification was performed. The timing of certification by the certification unit 34 may be daily, or it may be based on the results of a determination made at the time it is determined that the use of the target product 50 has begun.

[0064] Furthermore, the certification standards set by the Certification Department 34 may be changed depending on the size and circumstances of the store, etc. For example, the level of certification standards may be different for stores using small fryers compared to stores using large fryers.

[0065] The display control unit 35 is a display control means that transmits notification information for displaying the determination result by the determination unit 33, the certification result by the certification unit 34, or both, to a pre-registered destination. The destinations include, for example, the display device 5, the user terminal 2, the shipping factory terminal 3, the consumer terminal 4, etc. The display device 5, the user terminal 2, or the consumer terminal 4 displays the determination result by the determination unit 33, the certification result by the certification unit 34, or both, using images and sounds based on the notification information.

[0066] The method for transmitting notification information from the display control unit 35 is not particularly limited. For example, the display device 5 communicates with the information processing device 1 and updates the image to be displayed based on the notification information at a predetermined timing. The user terminal 2 and the shipping factory terminal 3 may also display an image based on the notification information at the timing when the determination unit 33 makes a determination or the certification unit 34 makes a certification. The consumer terminal 4 may also obtain notification information by reading a QR code (registered trademark) displayed in a store or elsewhere using its camera function, communicating with the information processing device 1, and displaying an image based on the notification information.

[0067] Furthermore, the display control unit 35 may perform processing to display the determination result by the determination unit 33, the certification result by the certification unit 34, or both, on the receipt or the like presented to the customer of the product using the target product 50. For example, the display control unit 35 outputs image information displaying the certification result by the certification unit 34 or both to a printing device (not shown) that outputs a receipt via the user terminal 2. The printing device adds the certification result by the certification unit 34 or both to the details of the product using the target product 50 that is printed. This allows the consumer to confirm the determination result, certification result, or both of these for the product they have selected. The display control unit 35 may also print information on the receipt or the like for accessing the determination result by the determination unit 33, the certification result by the certification unit 34, or both. In this case, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or a QR code (registered trademark) containing the URL may be printed.

[0068] The display device 5 functions as a notification means that, based on notification information transmitted from the display control unit 35, notifies at least one of the customers of the target product 50, the customers of the products or services used with the target product 50, and the customers of the products or services used, of the determination results or certification results from the determination means. The user terminal 2, the shipping factory terminal 3, and the consumer terminal 4 also function similarly as notification means.

[0069] <Processing flow> Next, we will explain the flow of the judgment process and certification process. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the judgment process and certification process by the information processing device 1.

[0070] In step S11, the usage information acquisition unit 30 acquires the target product information from the shipping factory terminal 3 at the time of manufacturing or shipping.

[0071] In step S12, the identification information acquisition unit 31 acquires product identification information corresponding to the target product information from the shipping factory terminal 3 for each target product 50 at the time of manufacturing or shipping.

[0072] In step S13, the usage information acquisition unit 30 links the target product information and product identification information and registers them in the database 90.

[0073] In step S14, the identification information acquisition unit 31 acquires product identification information from the user terminal 2 via the communication network at the time when the user accepts delivery of the target product 50 or when the user uses the target product 50. In this embodiment, product identification information is acquired by the imaging device 122 of the user terminal 2, which reads the product identification code 51 attached to the target product 50 after the package 52 has been opened.

[0074] In step S15, the provider information acquisition unit 32 acquires provider information from the user terminal 2 at the time the user accepts delivery of the target product 50 or at the time the user uses the target product 50. In this embodiment, the provider information acquisition unit 32 acquires provider information associated with the product identification information from the user terminal 2 at the same time that the product identification information is acquired.

[0075] In step S16, the determination unit 33 refers to the target product information in the database 90 and determines whether the target product 50 is an abnormal lot.

[0076] If, after referring to the target product information in the database 90, the determination unit 33 determines that the target product 50 is an abnormal lot, it proceeds to step S17 (step S16; Yes). In step S17, the display control unit 35 notifies the user terminal 2 and the shipping factory terminal 3 that the target product 50 is an abnormal lot and that it is in a store or other location. Then, the person in charge at the shipping factory or the user at the store or other location carries out the recall of the target product 50.

[0077] If the target product 50 is not an abnormal lot, the determination unit 33 proceeds to step S18 (step S16; No). In step S18, the usage information acquisition unit 30 acquires usage information indicating the quality status at the time of opening, based on the date and time of manufacture and shipment based on the target product information and the date and time of opening at the store, etc., based on the provider information acquired from the user terminal 2.

[0078] In step S19, the usage information acquisition unit 30 acquires post-delivery usage information indicating the usage status after delivery from the user terminal 2, cooking device 6, camera 7, or a combination thereof.

[0079] In step S20, the determination unit 33 determines the quality status and / or usage status of the target product 50 at the location where the target product 50 is used by the provider, based on usage information before and after delivery and provider information. The determination result of the determination unit 33 is registered in the database 90.

[0080] In step S21, the certification unit 34 determines whether or not a pre-set certification timing has occurred. For example, the certification unit 34 determines that a certification timing has occurred when a pre-set certification time is reached once a day. Alternatively, the certification unit 34 determines that a certification timing has occurred when the determination result has been accumulated a predetermined number of times or more.

[0081] If the certification timing has been reached, the certification unit 34 proceeds to step S22 (step S21; Yes). In step S22, the certification unit 34 performs certification processing to determine whether the predetermined certification criteria are met based on the past judgment results for the user's target product 50 within a predetermined period. In step S23, the display control unit 35 performs display control to output information for displaying information such as the date and time of manufacture and shipment, the judgment result, and the certification result to a notification destination such as the display device 5. As a result, the display device 5 displays the date and time of manufacture and shipment, as well as the judgment result and the certification result. After this display control, the process returns to step S11.

[0082] If the certification unit 34 has not yet reached the certification timing, it proceeds to step S23 (step S21; No). In this case, the certification unit 34 does not perform certification, and the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the display control unit 35 performs display control to output information for displaying information such as the date and time of manufacture and shipment, and the judgment result, to a notification destination such as the display device 5. If there are past certification results for the user, the display control unit 35 may output the past certification results to the notification destination. As a result, the display device 5 displays the information on the date and time of manufacture and shipment, as well as the judgment result or certification result. After this display control, the process returns to step S11.

[0083] As described above, the information processing device 1 of this embodiment includes: a usage information acquisition unit 30 that acquires usage information regarding the quality state and / or usage state of the target product 50 in a product or service that uses the target product 50; a provider information acquisition unit 32 that acquires provider information of the provider of the product or service; a determination unit 33 that determines the quality state or usage state of the target product 50 at the place of use by the provider of the target product 50 based on the usage information and provider information; and a display control unit 35 that transmits the determination result of the determination unit 33 to the display device 5 for display.

[0084] Furthermore, the information processing method of this embodiment includes a usage information acquisition step of acquiring usage information relating to the quality state and / or usage state of the target product 50 in a product or service that uses the target product 50; a provider information acquisition step of acquiring provider information of the provider of the product or service; a determination step of determining the quality state and / or usage state of the target product 50 at the place of use by the provider of the target product 50 based on the usage information and provider information; and a display control step of transmitting the determination result from the determination step to the display device 5 for display.

[0085] Furthermore, the program of this embodiment causes the computer to execute the following steps: a usage information acquisition step to acquire usage information regarding the quality state and / or usage state of the target product 50 in a product or service that uses the target product 50; a provider information acquisition step to acquire provider information of the provider of the product or service; a determination step to determine the quality state and / or usage state of the target product 50 at the place of use by the provider of the target product 50 based on the usage information and provider information; and a display control step to transmit the determination result from the determination step to the display device 5 for display.

[0086] According to the information processing device 1, information processing method, and program of this embodiment, the quality and usage status of the target product 50 at a place of use such as a store can be presented to the consumer based on objective criteria.

[0087] Furthermore, the display control unit 35 of this embodiment displays the determination result from the determination unit 33 on the display device 5 installed at the place of use. This allows consumers to understand the quality and usage status of the target product 50 at the place of use (for example, a store), and effectively stimulates consumption of products and services using the target product 50.

[0088] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of this embodiment further includes a certification unit 34 that determines whether or not the usage location meets predetermined certification criteria based on the judgment result, and the display control unit 35 displays the certification result by the certification unit 34 on the display device 5. This makes it possible to appeal to consumers in an easier-to-understand manner about the quality assurance of the target product 50 at the usage location based on the certification criteria.

[0089] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of this embodiment further includes an identification information acquisition unit 31 that acquires product identification information attached to the target product 50 for identifying the target product 50, and the usage information acquisition unit 30 detects the opened state of the target product 50 based on the acquisition of product identification information and acquires it as opened state information. This makes it possible to manage the quality state and usage state using the product identification information. For example, it is possible to determine the quality state more objectively, including distribution from shipment to the place of use, as in the above embodiment. Freshness, which has a significant impact on quality, such as in edible oil, can be reflected in the determination result of the determination unit 33.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the product identification code 51, which indicates product identification information, is positioned so that it can only be read when the target product 50 is opened. The determination unit 33 calculates the elapsed time since the target product 50 was opened based on the date and time the product identification code 51 was acquired, and determines the quality status. As a result, the product identification code 51 cannot be seen during the distribution stage, so the timing of opening can be accurately estimated. In addition, by assigning a product identification code 51 to each target product 50, fraud such as reuse can be prevented, and reliability can be increased.

[0091] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of this embodiment further includes a database 90 that stores information linking product identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 31 with provider information, and the determination unit 33 determines the quality status, including the provider's past usage of the target product 50, based on the information stored in the database 90. This makes it possible to accumulate determination results not only for the present but also for past usage records. By using the determination results accumulated over a certain period, it is possible to show that the quality of the target product 50 at the place of use is being maintained, thereby more motivating consumers to consume the product or service at the place of use.

[0092] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the usage information acquisition unit 30 acquires both the quality status and the usage status, and the determination unit 33 determines both the quality status and the usage status. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, it may be configured to acquire only the quality status and determine only the quality status, or to acquire only the usage status and determine only the usage status. For example, the quality of the target product 50 in a store may be determined by acquiring a deterioration index or a value correlated with the deterioration index at the time of use and / or disposal of the target product. Various sensors can be used to acquire the deterioration index. Alternatively, the system may acquire and determine the state of cooking using the target product 50, and a camera, thermometer, etc., can be used to acquire the state of cooking.

[0094] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the product identification code 51, which includes product identification information, is a QR code (registered trademark) attached to the target product 50, but the configuration is not limited to this. The product identification code 51 may be printed on other accompanying documents such as the specifications or delivery slip for the target product 50, in addition to the delivery slip.

[0095] Furthermore, the information processing system 100 of this embodiment can also be applied to a configuration in which the target product 50 is stored in a tanker truck and the target product 50 is dispensed from the tanker truck at the delivery destination. In this case, a product identification code 51 containing product identification information corresponding to the target product 50 in the tank may be affixed to the tanker truck.

[0096] Furthermore, the license plate of the tanker truck can also be used as product identification information. In this case, the correspondence between the target product 50 stored in the tanker truck's tank and the license plate of the tanker truck is shared between the shipping factory terminal 3 and the information processing device 1. Then, when the license plate of the tanker truck is read by the imaging device 122 or camera 7 of the user terminal 2 at the delivery destination, product identification information of the target product 50 that has arrived at the delivery destination is obtained and transmitted to the information processing device 1. With this configuration as well, it is possible to manage the shipment and delivery of the target product 50.

[0097] Furthermore, the medium containing product identification information is not limited to identifiers such as QR codes (registered trademark) or strings of characters printed on paper. The medium containing product identification information may also be an identifier such as a QR code (registered trademark) or string of characters displayed on the terminal of the driver transporting the target product 50. Alternatively, the medium containing product identification information may be an electronic component such as an RFID chip.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display control unit 35 is configured to output notification information, including judgment results and certification results, to the display device 5, user terminal 2, shipping factory terminal 3, consumer terminal 4, etc., but it is not limited to these notification destinations. The judgment results and certification results may also be output to a server operating another platform, such as a gourmet website, so that the judgment results and certification results can be confirmed on the platform.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display device 5 installed in a store or the like was described as an example of a notification means, but it could also be a light that indicates the judgment result by color, or a speaker that outputs the judgment result or certification result by sound.

[0100] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configuration described above is merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing device 1 is equipped with the functionality to execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this functionality is not particularly limited to the example above. Also, the location of the functional block is not particularly limited and can be arbitrary. For example, the functional block of the information processing device 1 may be transferred to another device, etc. Conversely, the functional block of another device may be transferred to a server, etc. Also, a single functional block may be composed of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0101] When a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware. Alternatively, the computer may be a computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0102] Such recording media containing programs may consist not only of removable media (not shown) distributed separately from the main device to provide the programs, but also of recording media provided pre-installed in the main device. Since programs can be distributed via a network, the recording media may be installed on or accessible from a computer connected to or capable of connecting to a network.

[0103] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1. Information Processing Device 30 Usage information acquisition department 31 Identification Information Acquisition Unit 32 Provider information acquisition department 33 Judgment section 34 Certification Department 35 Display Control Unit 100 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. A means for acquiring usage information relating to the quality and / or usage status of the target product in a product or service using the target product, A provider information acquisition means for acquiring provider information of the provider of the aforementioned goods or services used, A determination means for determining the quality state and / or usage state of the target product at the location where the target product is used by the provider, based on the usage information and the provider information. A display control means for transmitting the determination result from the determination means to a display device and displaying it, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The display control means causes the determination result by the determination means to be displayed on the display device installed at the usage location. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A certification means that determines whether the place of use meets predetermined certification standards based on the aforementioned determination result, Furthermore, The display control means causes the certification result by the certification means to be displayed on the display device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further comprises an identification information acquisition means for acquiring product identification information attached to the aforementioned target product for identifying the said target product, The means for acquiring the usage information detects the opened state of the target product based on the acquisition of the product identification information and acquires it as opened information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned product identification information is arranged so that it can only be read when the target product is opened. The determination means calculates the time elapsed since opening the target product based on the date and time the product identification information was acquired, and determines the quality status. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. A storage means for storing information relating the product identification information obtained by the identification information acquisition means and the provider information, Furthermore, The determination means determines the quality status of the product, including the provider's past usage of the product, based on the information stored in the storage means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

7. A usage information acquisition step that acquires usage information regarding the quality status and / or usage status of the target product in a product or service that uses the target product, A provider information acquisition step, which involves acquiring provider information of the provider of the aforementioned goods or services used, A determination step in which, based on the usage information and the provider information, the quality state and / or usage state of the target product at the place of use by the provider of the target product, A display control step which transmits the determination result from the determination step to a display device and displays it, Information processing methods including

8. A usage information acquisition step that acquires usage information regarding the quality status and / or usage status of the target product in a product or service that uses the target product, A provider information acquisition step, which involves acquiring provider information of the provider of the aforementioned goods or services used, A determination step in which, based on the usage information and the provider information, the quality state and / or usage state of the target product at the place of use by the provider of the target product, A display control step which transmits the determination result from the determination step to a display device and displays it, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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